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Man Maya Maharjan Of Lalitpur Marks 5th Janku Ritual At Age 105, Nepal

Man Maya Maharjan, 105, participates in her 5th Janku (Maha Divya Ratharohan) ritual in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Janku is a Newar life-cycle ceremony marking advanced age milestones, performed through religious rites with family and community gatherings. Following the rituals, she is carried in a traditional palanquin and greets locals and neighbors. This is noted as the first known instance of a 5th Janku being observed for an individual in the area, highlighting the ceremony's significance within local tradition. The event includes customary worship and participation of family and community members, recognizing longevity and social respect for elders in Newar cultural practice. After the 5th Janku, individuals are traditionally regarded as having attained a status comparable to a living deity, reflecting cultural beliefs associated with longevity in Newar society. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13592789
Date Taken	18 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto

Man Maya Maharjan Lalitpur Nepal 105 years old Janku Maha Divya Ratharohan Newar life-cycle ceremony advanced age milestones religious rites traditional palanquin locals neighbors family members community members cultural practice longevity social respect living deity Newar society Safal Prakash Shrestha NurPhoto